e.

On the way through Georgia, the train was delayed by a hot box. While
it was being fixed, Bob took Beth for a walk, and she saw a moss-laden
oak for the first time.

"Oh, Bob," she cried, "I never before saw a tree with hair."

His hearty laugh broke out anew. "Ha, ha, ha. I'll jes' pull some of
dat hair for you, missy," and he raised his great, black hand to grab
the curling, greenish, gray moss.

"Don't, Bob," and when he gave her no heed, she added, "I'm afraid
it'll hurt the tree. I know it hurts me greatly when any one pulls my
hair."

He laughed more than ever at her, until Beth grew ashamed, and meekly
accepted the moss that he piled up in her little arms.

The hot box so delayed the train that Jacksonville was not reached
until the middle of the night.

Bob took a sleeping child in his arms, and carried her out to the bus.

"Good-bye, little missy," he murmured, before handing her to her father.

Her arms tightened around his neck while her eyes opened for a second.

"Don't leave me, Bob. I love you."

Then she did not remember anything more until she wakened in a strange
room the next morning.

At first, she could not think where she was. Then it came to her that
she was in a hotel in Jacksonville. She sprang out of bed, and ran to
a window. The room faced a park, and afforded Beth her first glimpse
of tropical beauty. Strange trees glistened in the glorious sunshine.
From pictures she had seen, Beth recognized the palms, and the orange
trees. Below, on the piazza, the band was playing "Dixie." Delighted
as Beth was, she did not linger long by the window, but dressed as fast
as she could.

Mr. Davenport entered the room.

"Do you know what time it is? It's fully eleven, and I was up at six
this morning."

"At six, papa? What have you been doing?"

"I went down town, and then I drove far out into the country."

"Oh, why didn't you waken me and let me go?"

"I had business on hand. Come along down to the dining-room. Your
mother had some breakfast saved for you. I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise, papa? What is it?"

"It wouldn't be as great a surprise if I told you." This was all the
satisfaction she received until after she had breakfasted.

"We're going for a drive," said Mr. Davenport as she came out of the
dining-room.

"Is the drive the surprise, papa?"

"You'll know all in good time, Beth. You must have patience," he
answered as he led the way out